Air conditioning is typically the single largest electrical load in a home during summer months, and panels that were adequate a decade ago can struggle to keep up with a newer, larger AC unit added since.
What to look for before the heat peaks
- Breaker heat or discoloration. A breaker that feels warm to the touch or shows scorch marks around it should be inspected before it's asked to carry a full summer AC load.
- Frequent tripping when the AC kicks on. This can point to an undersized breaker for the unit, or a panel nearing its overall capacity.
- Panel age. Panels rated for 100 amps, common in homes built before the 1990s, are often undersized for a household now running central air, an EV charger, or large kitchen appliances simultaneously.
Why this matters beyond comfort
An overloaded panel isn't just an inconvenience: it's a fire risk. A load calculation from our electrical engineering team can confirm whether your panel has headroom for AC season, or whether an upgrade is worth scheduling before temperatures peak.